JOHANNESBURG - Blade Nzimande has been ordered to withdraw a notice to place Unisa under administration.
The Higher Education Minister may also face a contempt of court hearing.
The High Court in Pretoria made the order on Wednesday after the university filed an urgent application.
Nzimande had named Ihron Rensburg as administrator responsible for all university management for 24 months.
The decision followed recommendations of an independent assessor.
He found serious financial mismanagement and maladministration.
In October, Unisa applied for a court interdict against the move, but Nzimande went ahead with his decision.
The University has also been given permission to approach the Deputy Judge President to consider the contempt matter.